If we left it up to Anne to write her own bio, it would never get posted. She doesn't enjoy talking about herself, but Anne does love exploring the Twin Cities with her family and sharing her finds here. She, her husband and their four kids are lifelong residents of St. Paul.

When: Thursday, Dec. 3 • 10am-noonCost: $5/pp, reservations required by Dec. 1Details: A candle cast from river sand or ornaments made from prairie grasses could make a great holiday gift for someone. Refreshments provided. Reservations required by December 1.

When: Tree lighting takes place Dec. 4 • 5:30-7:30pm and the market runs Dec. 5-6 & 11-13 • find times here.Cost: Free admissionDetails: Union Depot will be the hub of many special holiday activities this year including the European-style Christmas market, the arrival of the North Pole Express and Canadian Pacific Holiday Train, a Holiday Movie Night and the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Get all the details here.

After Friday, Dec. 4, shows will run at 5:30, 6 and 6:30 p.m. as follows:

Saturday, Dec. 5

Thursday, Dec. 10

Friday, Dec. 11

Saturday, Dec. 12

Cost: FreeDetails: Our family discovered the student-designed Winter Lights Show put on by the University of Minnesota’s College of Science & Engineering last year. Each show is about 20 minutes long and features lights and laser projection set to fun music.

When: Saturday, Dec. 5 • events 8:30am-5pmCost: FreeDetails: Explore one of St. Paul’s best shopping districts, sample from local restaurants, have breakfast with Santa, take a trolley ride down the avenue, and much more at this annual winter tradition. Get the full event guide with participating businesses here.

When: Shows Dec. 4-6, 9-13, 16-23, find times here.Cost: $16/adults, $12/students. Pay-what-you-can performance will be held on Saturday, December 5, 4pm show only.Details: A holiday classic. Visit with Santa after the show!

Cost: $2/ppDetails: Children are invited to the Fillebrown House to sit by the magnificently decorated Christmas tree and listen to holiday poems and stories. Hot or cold cider and cookies will be served.

When: December weekends through Sunday, Dec. 20 • Saturday shows at 10am, 11:30am, 1pm & 2:30pm and Sunday shows at 11:30am, 1pm & 2:30pmCost: FreeDetails: Arrive early for a good seat to see the annual Santa & Albert holiday play and stay after for pictures with Santa. The show lasts about 20 minutes.

About the author

Anne Kingston

If we left it up to Anne to write her own bio, it would never get posted. She doesn't enjoy talking about herself, but Anne does love exploring the Twin Cities with her family and sharing her finds here. She, her husband and their four kids are lifelong residents of St. Paul.